The Department of Social Welfare and Development has provided psychosocial support and ₱10,000 in financial assistance to the family of Arjhay Dimatulac, a person with disability and vlogger known online as “KaTotzkie,” who died after allegedly being beaten by five men in Bamban, Tarlac.
The assistance was released through the DSWD Field Office 3 under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations Program.
“Unang-una po, sa ngalan ng buong DSWD, kami ay nakikiramay sa pamilya ng pumanaw na allegedly ay pinagtulungan at binugbog ng limang lalaki. Walang sinuman ang dapat nakararanas ng ganitong karahasan, lalong-lalo na ang mga person with disability,” DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said Saturday.
The agency’s Tarlac Community-Based Services Unit, in coordination with the Bamban Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office, delivered psychosocial first aid and cash assistance for the family’s immediate needs.
Dumlao said Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian directed the Central Luzon field office to ensure that Dimatulac’s family receives appropriate support and other necessary interventions.
“The DSWD immediately coordinated with our Field Office in Central Luzon to provide psychosocial support and financial assistance to the bereaved family. Alam po namin na hindi nito maiibsan ang sakit na nararamdaman ng pamilya pero kahit lamang po sa isipin sa gastusin sa mga pangangailangan ay makatulong tayo,” she said.
The agency is also coordinating with the Bamban local government to provide additional social welfare services to the family.
Dumlao reiterated the department’s commitment to protecting persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups from abuse, violence and discrimination.
“The DSWD remains firm in its commitment to protect persons with disabilities from all forms of abuse, violence, and discrimination. We will continue working with the National Council on Disability Affairs and our local government partners to ensure that vulnerable individuals and families receive the protection, assistance, and social services they needed,” she said.